You wouldn't expect a man with a friendly, laid-back personality to be a perfectionist, but when it comes to delivering results for clients, Arcenio Villanueva demands perfection. That may be the main reason he has worked his way up from entry-level hotel jobs to become the head of IVI Destination Management’s operations in Los Cabos.

Arcenio is a native of Chetumal, Mexico, who earned a tourism business administration degree from the Chetumal Institute of Technology. He later received a diploma in management of travel agencies.

Mr. Villanueva started his career with a five-year stint at the VIVA Hotel in Cancun, earning jobs with increasing levels of responsibility ranging from front desk to reservations manager and sales positions. He joined IVI in Cancun and demonstrated his abilities in a wide range of positions, starting as a junior travel director to becoming an auditor, group manager and an executive assistant to IVI founder Jose Manuell Garcia.

Arcenio transferred to the IVI office at Los Cabos, one of the company’s most active tourism destinations, in 2006.

In his spare time, Villanueva enjoys reading, relaxing with his family, and watching soccer and baseball.

Personal Favorites

Local Attraction -- I enjoy visiting the zoo in Santiago, a small town near San Jose del Cabo. It’s a small place with a few animals, like zoos used to be before everything had to be a Mega Attraction. I enjoy watching the monkeys and exotic birds.

Recreational Activity -- I like to compare shopping malls and commercial centers in both San Jose and Cabo San Lucas. Keep your eye out for ‘trova music’ concerts held at some of the hotels. This is slow, romantic Cuban music performed by soloists who sing as they play the guitar.

Favorite Restaurant -- Las Guacamayas & Los Ahorcados are both small, open air restaurants that I really like. They are popular mostly with local residents, but many tourists enjoy them as well. These places offer basic Mexican BB Q style menus featuring quesadillas and tacos (al pastor and arrachera). If you haven’t tried one, be sure to sample a “vampiro.”

Local Tour -- La Paz, capital city of Baja California, is a great place for a walk on the malecón. Grab an “elote” from a street corner vendor, or enjoy a nice lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants facing the malecon. La Paz is a good jump-off spot for a day tour to Isla del Espiritu Santo, where you can swim with sea lions.

Local Event -- Whale watching is a seasonal must. If you go to Bahia Magalena you can get really close to these majestic creatures. San Jose del Cabo also has a colorful fiesta honoring their patron saint, with carnival rides and concerts by famous Mexican entertainers